The best outdoor toys for toddlers are age-appropriate so that they promote physical activity, creativity, or playing in a new way, like with bubbles or water. “Keep in mind that this age group is continuously growing and developing, so toys that grow with kids—physically or with skill-building—are packed with major play value,” says Maddie Michalik, senior editor at The Toy Insider. We carefully considered developmental milestones, toy safety, design, ease of cleaning, and value when reviewing products. Here are our favorite outdoor toys for toddlers, because the fresh air is calling! The tools are made from plastic that’s easy to clean when your kiddo is done digging. The set is safe for children 3 years old and up, so they’ll likely get plenty of use out of it the next several years. Price at time of publication: $19 Price at time of publication: $20 This outdoor toy is great when it comes to types of play and the different skills it will spark in your child. Aside from STEM play and other social skills, your child can spark their creativity and pretend play by making the duck swim on the bottom level or pouring water over other toys. We like this water table in particular for its bright colors, the springboard attachment, and the extra accessories included like the rubber duck, bucket, and scoop. Kids love the sound of the rain as the waterfalls from the top tier! Price at time of publication: $80 Price at time of publication: $40 We think parents and caregivers will appreciate this playhouse’s folding feature, which allows the playset to fold completely flat for easy storage. The Radio Flyer Treetop Climber only weighs about 32 pounds and measures 58.1 x 24.67 x 61.3 inches, so there’s plenty of space for multiple children. Price at time of publication: $169 Price at time of publication: $30 Available in a variety of colors, the bike comes with 12-inch tires that are puncture-proof, so you don’t have to worry about filling them up or replacing them. Plus, the lightweight bike includes an adjustable seat and handlebars to find a comfortable fit. Price at time of publication: $99 Assembly is a breeze, but keep in mind that younger children may need help putting the poles together. Parents and caregivers will love the kite’s included carrying bag for easy storage. Price at time of publication: $20 Price at time of publication: $10 Price at time of publication: $25 Price at time of publication: $18 Price at time of publication: $27 Bring this bubble machine to the park, set it up at a birthday party or just have fun with it in the backyard. It’s adorable and sure to keep your toddler engaged for hours alone or with friends. Price at time of publication: $33 The chalk pieces are thick so they won’t break easily or run out and are easy for toddlers to grip. Reviewers rave about this sidewalk chalk because the colors stay vibrant and it’s easy to wash out of clothing. “Toddlers can make the driveway their canvas with a set of sidewalk chalk. Just a few simple colors will unleash a lot of design options,” says Kristin Morency Goldman, senior communications specialist at The Toy Association. Price at time of publication: $7 You can’t go wrong with a toy that keeps the kiddos active while also working on hand-eye coordination and balance. With every bounce, the pogo stick makes a fun squeaking sound and the fun characters and colors are a bonus. Price at time of publication: $18 Price at time of publication: $40 The 60-inch pool is deep enough to kick and splash but shallow enough to ensure your toddler is safe. The fun mermaid and marine life design is bright and playful and makes for a perfect game of “count the fish.” If your child isn’t in the gaming mood, you can rest assured they’re experiencing different types of play with this outdoor toy. Aside from sparking their imagination, this toy turns water into a sprinkler, leading to a lot of physical activity and just enjoying the summer sun. Price at time of publication: $20 From there, you can help your child tap into their imagination and go wild. They can get creative through pretend play by making truck sounds, moving their steering wheel, or even filling up their fake gas tank. Their development of fine motor skills in a fun way makes this a neat educational toy or tie-in with a homeschool curriculum if that is important to you. You can either push the car or use the removable floorboard so your toddler can exercise their independence and move the truck with their own little feet. Price at time of publication: $100 With an adjustable seat, it is perfect for your growing child and is good for ages 3 to 5 years old. Price at time of publication: $55 Price at time of publication: $50
What to Look for in Outdoor Toys for Toddlers and Preschoolers
Age Level
Kristin Morency Goldman, senior communications specialist at the Toy Association, emphasizes the importance of the manufacturer’s age-grading on products. “When a toddler uses a ride-on or another toy that is meant for older kids, they risk getting hurt or getting frustrated and discouraged.” “Families should also consider what their child in interested in,” Goldman says, “This season’s must-have toy is only fun if it’s fun for your child.”
Play Type
Toddlers like variety. If you’re investing in two or three outdoor toys for the summer ahead, choose a few different types of play. For instance, get one toy that incorporates water like a sprinkler, one for pretend play, and one for creativity. The goal is to keep your child occupied and for them to build new skills. Changing it up will keep them engaged.
Durability
No matter where you live, your outdoor toys will see all kinds of weather and should be built to withstand rough play as well as seasonal changes. Avoid anything with small, breakable pieces or anything that tears easily. Plastic is a good choice.
Safety
Unlike indoor toys, your child probably won’t be as careful when playing with their outdoor toys. Both younger and older children may play with toys like slides and trikes, and just like at a park, accidents happen. Take safety into consideration when choosing a toy, especially for toddlers (a sharp bike wheel or slide that is too high, for example, should be avoided) or when water is involved. When it comes to ride-on toys, Michalik emphasizes the importance of the age recommendation set by the manufacturer, protective gear like a helmet and pads, and adult supervision. “Parents also want to make sure they properly store ride-ons, especially ones that charge and run on batteries, to prevent damage and to keep kids from wandering around potentially dangerous situations,” she says.
Why Trust Verywell Family
Deanna McCormack is a freelance writer who specializes in family and lifestyle products. In her spare time, she researches and reviews the latest kids’ toys and gear. She has two kids of her own and lives in sunny Arizona, so she knows the value of great outdoor toys.
More Toys for Kids
When it comes to toys for kids, our team has you covered. The Verywell Family team of editors (who are parents or have nieces and nephews of their own) have tested, gifted, and personally recommend every item we feature. Find more of our top toy picks for every developmental stage and personality phase here:
The Best Christmas Gifts for Kids The Best Developmental Toys for Babies The Best Tummy Time Toys The Best Active Toys for Toddlers The Best Toys for Toddlers The Best Educational Toys for Toddlers The Best Phonics Toys for Preschoolers The Best Toys for Learning Letters and Numbers The Best Construction and Building Block Toys The Best Musical Toys for Children of All Ages The Best Montessori Toys to Encourage Thoughtful Play The Best Sesame Street Toys The Best Outdoor Toys for Kids of All Ages The Best Dinosaur Toys The Best Toys for Fine Motor Skills Development The Best Toys for Independent Play The Best Indoor Toys and Games for Active Play The Best Snow Toys for Kids The Best STEM Toys for Kids Best Laptop Toys for Kids The Best Social Emotional Learning Toys The Best Robot Toys The Best Ride-On Toys The Best Cleaning Toy Sets The Black-Owned Gift Guide
